5 Easy Tips & Tricks For Creating Your Spring Window Box

I have been planting window boxes for years. Over time, I have developed a certain style and favorite flower for each season. Every box is different, and can easily be planted in no time. I love mixing trailing vines with colorful blooms that put on a show. I am constantly scrolling through Pinterest collecting new ideas. I can't wait to share with you some of my favorite tips and tricks to create a spring window box.

These tips don't just apply to spring, you can start your window box any season. I prep my boxes in spring that way everything is in place, and I can easily transfer and switch out flowers. When you add just a touch of nature, wildlife will follow. One spring, a family of sparrows made a nest in my window box! I'd see mom and dad frequently flying in and out, bringing the little ones worms. Filling your window box with life is simple. All you need is some soil, sun and some spectacular blooms!

Add Your Potting Soil: Make sure you pick a good potting mix for your box. I can't stress enough how important this is! In the past, I've thrown in whatever soil I could get my hands on at the time. Never do this! Pick a premium soil that holds moisture and has some slow release plant food. This will save you from sad and leggy, dried out plants. You put in all the effort to make it pretty. Don't skip out on this step, and you will be enjoying your box from spring to fall. If you already have soil from last season, just mix in some new soil and you are good to go!

Water Less: As the season progresses, life always tends to get busy. The weather heats up, and your box will rely on steady watering. Whenever I'm putting together a planter of any kind, I throw in some rain gel. It helps your soil hold in moisture and cuts down on the frequency you have to get out your watering can. I use two packets in my box, and it lasts all season long.

Choose The Right Blooms: There are many different factors that play into what will work in your window box. It depends on the size and height of your box. If it is in full sun or shade and, of course, the season. Here in zone 6a New England, the nighttime temperatures still drop into the 30s. Pansies are the perfect springtime flower. They can tolerate frost until it begins to warm up a little more. In a couple of weeks, I will be adding some trailing vinca vine. It is very hardy and adds a bit of whimsy. If you are lost when shopping, try looking for a thriller, a filler and a spiller. The thriller will add some height. The filler will fill in your box, and the spiller will trail down. In my front box, I can only do filler and spiller since there isn't much room for flowers to grow tall.

Keep Your Flowers Fertilized: Once you get in a routine, it becomes habit to feed your plants. I like to do it once every few weeks, and my flowers really appreciate it! If you want blooms rather than heavy foliage, make sure to look for a fertilizer higher in potassium and phosphorus.

Experiment & Try New Things: If something doesn't work, thats okay! I've planted flowers that just don't really pop. It's perfectly normal to not have it look like it's straight out of a magazine. Your house is real, and they aren't being prepped for a professional photoshoot! We all have budgets, so gather your plants a little at a time. You don't have to spend a fortune and fill it all at once. I'd love to walk into my local flower store and buy 20 pristine flats full of flowers, but it ain't happening any time soon. Don't get discouraged. As seasons change, you may have to swap out your plants as the flowers fade. Be ready for this to happen. This didn't mean you failed! Some flowers like pansies for example DO NOT like the heat. Once those 80 degree days become consistent, they will wither. As long as you know this ahead of time, you will be ready to try something new.

Do you have any window box tips and tricks? What varieties do you like to add to your spring window box? Share them with me below in the comment section! The next edition of Tuesdays In The Garden will be April 25, and it will be a Mother's Day themed post. See you then!

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, we will be sharing a themed Tuesday In The Garden post! We will be covering seasonal crops, herb gardening, growing flowers, DIY projects, garden gifts, harvesting tips, preserving, garden to table recipes and so much more. You can check out each of our posts to help you get inspired and give you some creative new ideas. Take a look at these great posts below!

I don’t have window boxes at the moment, but we’re doing some remodeling, so maybe I’ll add one. These are really good tips – I love the thriller/spiller/filler! I also appreciate your “can-do” attitude and lovely pictures! I look forward to Tuesdays in the Garden!

I used to love planting window boxes in different home that was more suited to them. I even have a couple of hayracks that I can’t seem to part with. You’d think that after 13 years I’d give them up already. 🙂

What great tips! I am definitely going to add some rain gel to my pots this year. They always dry out mid summer and no matter how much I water the hanging baskets they won’t absorb the water into the middle of the pot. Thanks for the inspiration. I can’t wait to get started.

I don’t have any window boxes. Most of our windows are on the second story or way down low for the basement since we live in a tri-level home. But I love yours they look so pretty. I wish we could have them at our home.

Hello Angie…I haven’t seen a window box since my Grandmother’s neighborhood where many people had them. I love the look and appreciate the directions. They really are just charming to have and to see….Michelle

This is a great post! I have been debating doing window boxes this spring now that I am settling into the new house – I think they would look great along the front! I’m sure all your tips will be helpful!

Hey, Angie! Just wanted to let you know that we loved your 5 Tips & Tricks To Creating Your Own Window Box For Spring so much when you shared it at the #HomeMattersParty last week, we’ve FEATURED it THIS WEEK! Hope you can check it out when you get a sec. Happy Friday!!!http://lifewithlorelai.com/2017/04/20/home-matters-linky-party-132